Summer is passing by quickly, too quickly if you ask our boys. The 3 youngest, Daniel, Steffan, and Caleb, have started school again, and in their minds this was too soon. Well, it isn’t all bad, and they recognize that they do need more schooling and other training during their growing up years so they will be ready for what God has in store for their future, if His return doesn’t take place first. Daniel and Caleb are excited about being able to have piano lessons again. We are thankful it worked out for them to fit into Rick’s busy schedule.
In just a week I, Peter, head to the Faroe Islands by myself. It will be strange to be there on my own. It will be very different not to be greeted by either of my parents. I have only one brother, so my immediate family connection to the Faroe Islands is getting pretty small. While there, Dennis and I have the task before us of taking care of what is left behind, since our parents have both gone to be with the Lord.
During my stay there I also plan to speak in many churches and I am very thankful that people there are helping to arrange meetings ahead of time for me. I would appreciate prayers as I prepare, and that I will be sensitive to what the Lord wants me to share. Even though the Faroe Islands isn’t part of mainland Europe there are many influences which affect the young and the old alike and there are plenty of temptations to draw one away from spiritual things.
As a family we are doing well. It is good to have most of our boys around us, but there are some changes taking place also.
Just last week Hans left for Waukesha, WI, for NTM Bible School. He has one test left to take in order to be a school bus driver to help pay his way through Bible school. It has been good to have him home with us, and we are excited for him as he starts his studies there.
We are praising the Lord with Philip, who now has his work permit and visa for Papua New Guinea. He is now waiting for his support level to increase and Lord-willing, he will be able to go to PNG in the near future.
David and Karl both continue to face physical difficulties and limitations. David had two fantastic weeks earlier this summer, after which all of his symptoms returned with a vengeance. It’s baffling – a mystery. He is working with a local doctor, and we are praying that he will have wisdom in knowing where to direct David for help. David will be filing his disability appeal in the next few days, and we trust the Lord for the outcome He desires. Karl also has difficulties with headaches and dizziness and we are seeking medical advice for him too. He still hasn’t gotten a job, but we trust that something will work out soon. As you pray for him, ask God to give him a hunger and thirst for spiritual things.
I am scheduled to arrive back from the Faroe Islands Sep. 21, and it looks like about 2 weeks later I will be heading to PNG to participate in meetings and to work alongside coworkers there. I am planning also to fly over to the Islands region to spend some time with some of the believers in Mangseng, though it won’t be very long. The tentative return date is Oct. 31, which also happens to be our 30th anniversary. Rachel and I are so thankful for each other and for the years God has given us together so far. We look forward to serving the Lord together for the rest of our lives and are thankful for and enjoying the good health He is giving us.
From November to spring next year our schedule is open for travel and we would love to come and share with you individually or in churches or small groups about the ministry in Papua New Guinea. If you would like for us to come, please contact us and we will see what we can work out.
Thanks for your prayers for us.